I have an Amistar (Czech) steel guitar (actually nickel plated brass). I'm not a great slide player, but do use the guitar in DADGAD in sessions. The extra volume means I can hear what I'm doing when sat between accordions and fiddles. Tend not to bash out chords, as there are other guitarists doing that, but play licks and counter melodies. It can also be an effective melody instrument, especially for slow tunes, laments etc. In singer guitar sessions it can be the 'lead guitar' - not blazing solos, but adding a few restrained fills and melodies.
Thinks -must put something on Youtube some time...
KP